Child reaching potential still massively influenced by parents financial circumstances

A child’s likelihood of reaching his or her potential is still enormously influenced by their parents’ education, financial circumstances, and whether they live in a lone family.

An ESRI study using 10 years of data from the Growing Up in Ireland study, highlights the need to devise public policy that targets resources and support services at families with the greatest needs.

The report reveals that despite having made huge strides in our attitude to and investment in children, 100 years on from the Proclamation, we have not succeeded in “cherish[ing] all of the children of the nation equally”.